ORIGINS AND FAITH AN ESSAY OF RECONCILIATION BY JOSEPH COMPTON-RICKETT AUTHOR OF "THE CHRIST THAT IS TO BE," "THE QUIckening of cALIBAN," ETC HODDER AND STOUGHTON LONDON MCMIX PREFACE ANYONE who comes into frequent contact with the religious mind of the day must recognise the difficulties lying behind that working Faith which suffices for most of us. It is not that there is an active opposition to religion; it is that Christianity has ceased to provide for many a sufficient answer to the insurgent challenges of modern thought. Although much splendid work has been done by way of reconciliation, the note has been too apologetic, the vindication too partial. The present need is to find a reasonable basis for belief which shall bring into practical agreement the religious and scientific systems, preserving at the same time the essential truth of great traditions. It would indeed be a satisfaction to realise that I have made some contribution to this end. I have intentionally avoided loading the book with references and footnotes, so that it may be followed more easily by the ordinary reader. I acknowledge gratefully the assistance rendered by my friend, the Rev. F. A. Russell, of the King's Weigh House Church, London, in the work of revising for the press. My son, Dr. Arthur Compton-Rickett, has given me similar help. LANCASTER Gate, W., 1st March, 1909. J. COMPTON-RICKETT. |